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Jeff Becker

12/24/2012

Dear Friends and Family of Jill,I live in NJ and came across Jill's story in SI two years ago. It impacted me greatly and I remember making sure that my wife and two daughters (age 12 and 14) read it. And then I saved it. I realize now what a gift that issue was because just a few weeks later our younger daughter, Sydney, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She was somewhat of an athlete herself (travel softball was her game) and I made sure that I referenced Jill's story to her (and myself) several times in the first few months of what turned out to be an incredibly difficult year of chemo and surgeries. In some way, I think Jill's story helped Sydney and the rest of the family emulate some of her bravery and incredible outlook on life and her situation. Sydney too became known around here for her strength and her sense of humor as she "kicked cancer's butt'. (she kept her own caringbridge site at caringbridge.org/visit/sydneybecker) . Sydney has recently passed her one year remission point and is back playing softball (albeit on a leg with a titanium tibia and knee). Just yesterday I was cleaning out my home office and all the hospital related paperwork from last year when I came across the SI article I had saved. I just reread it again, and after wiping the tears I just wanted to let you know during what I'm sure is a difficult holiday season that our family here in New Jersey are still in awe of your Jill. And we thank her for helping show us the way to fight and live with Sydney. I'm still keeping the article. Best to you all.

Lynette Ley

12/3/2012

Dear Jill,I was thinking about you last night on your 25th birthday, and remember with many chuckles your 21st birthday at Kappa. Parents Club was at Kappa decorating for Christmas, and your mom arrived with a bouquet of flowers all excited about taking you out to lunch for your special day. That day was all about your 21st! There were gifts and cards for you all over Kappa, cocktails and dinners and after dinner plans made. You friends and family made it memorable and exciting; they all loved you....
You have given back your many gifts of love, determination, laughter, believing, and love of life to hundreds of thousands. Your gifts to us continue to grow each year and your legacy and love carries on BIG TIME....
Love,Lynette

Nancy McCarthy

5/30/2012

Mary,

I have been thinking of Jill all day today and decided to go back and read her inspirational words to all of us. It still amazes me that someone so sick can try to find words to comfort us. I also have kept a file in my emails of all athe pics you have sent to me of Jill and the boys and of course the pines...What wonderful memories. Thanks for keeping this online because I really needed it today. Love you Jill and The Costello Clan.....

mary fairchok

5/30/2012

Dear family and friends of Jill,

This morning I was not in the the best of moods. While waiting for a prescription, I chanced upon an old issue of SI and read the profile about Jill. Tears were streaming down my face as I read about her incredible spirit, courage, strength and love as well as the love and support of her family and friends. Suddenly my day did not seem so bad after all. Reading this story reminded me to live each day to the fullest and to find the joy in every day. Jill's life on earth was sadly too short, but her spirit continues to inspire. As you face the difficult upcoming anniversary of her death, know that the legacy of the way she lived her life lives on and continues to create small everyday miracles.

Jen Cole

5/7/2012

I came across this blog over a year ago.... I lost my sister to lung cancer when she was only 42 - never smoked - and left behind a husband and 3 young children. When I came across this it touched me SO much..Sometimes there is a loss so devastating as to seem unimaginable and unbearable.Sometimes there is no reason; there is no explanation; there can be no understanding.
There is only acceptance and acceptance in the absence of understanding is the true miracle of faith.
I just had to tell you that it has touched many lives since then as I have shared it with others and it has helped them with their losses... and it still reminds me of my faith on a regular basis. thank you! Hugs to you and your family!

Lynette Ley

2/16/2012

Hi Mary,I just learned that Kappa has created the Jill Costello Recruitment Award to honor the Kappa sister who goes above and beyond during recruitment each year! The only girls currently at Kappa that even knew Jill personally are all seniors; yet she known and honored by all...
Darby was there leaving Jog for Jill flyers and bracelets; the girls were all excited about the 5K and really looking forward to it....So am I! See you March 11th!Love,Lynette

Kimberly Graime

1/9/2012

I've been glued to a friend's caringbridge page these past few days reading updates on her husband's battle with CNS lymphoma. For some reason I decided to take a look at Jill's page to help "prepare" for the news that he lost his battle with cancer here in the next few days. I am reminded of the strength and courage that Jill and her family had while she fought for her life.

Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to grieve and celebrate at the same time. Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to be upset with God for taking Phil's (and Jill's) life too early and praise him for bringing more value to my life at the same time.

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Costello family even now as we prepare for the loss of another life in the very near future.

Lynette Ley

10/3/2011

HI Mary and Jim,Tom and I received an email from a Cal Fiji friend, Chris Jones. Chris is a fraternity brother of Toms from way back in our college days. His daughter is the coxswain at Univ of Penn and heading up a Jog for Jill at Penn! Chris sent an email out to hundreds of his contacts urging them to support Jill's legacy and Jog for Jill....... amazing. Jill is so in everyone's hearts.....I know she's smiling up there!Miss you,Love, Lynette

Sandee Young

7/8/2011

Dear Mary,

I've been thinking so much of Jill lately. Her picture greets me every morning in my little office cubicle at the Health Department where I work, and she is a constant reminder to look at each day as a chance to make someone else's life a little better and to celebrate the day.

I was so touched to still receive a text from "Jill" first thing on my birthday, even though it was you who sent the text. Since I met her at Cal, she always made my birthday such a special day, and I'm pretty sure she was always one of the first, if not the first, to wish me a happy birthday (I can thank her early 5:30am practices for that.) I remember the first birthday I had with her when K.C. and Jill drove down to Pebble Beach to help me celebrate our "Yellow Party" where everyone had to wear yellow dresses and we demolished a five layer chocolate cake. And then of course, the next morning K.C. and Jill left before the crack of dawn to get Jill back to practice the next day. That birthday was so so special, and it was the first time I felt like I had made true friends at Cal that would last a lifetime.

In fact, Jill made everyone's birthday and EVERY holiday so special. It's no wonder her own birthday became like a National Holiday at Kappa, because it was a reminder to all of us how our lives should be celebrated..not just every year, but every day.

I am sending my love and thoughts your way, every morning when I see Jill's smiling face!

shay seager

6/27/2011

Hi Mary,Jill was my coxswain at Cal - I was in the V8. I just wanted to thank you and extend my gratitude to you for the recent post. I carry Jill with me in my heart every day and I am so grateful for the lessons I learned while I knew Jill and your family, and the lessons I continue to learn from these experiences. I send you and your family love.- Shay

Julie Holian

6/27/2011

Love and miss you, Jill. I thought of you so many times over the weekend and I often think of you when I'm feeling overwhelmed or frustrated and you give me strength to keep moving forward. You've given so much to so many people and I'm so proud to have been one of the lucky ones to have actually known you. God bless.

Mark Donaghey

6/26/2011

To all of Jill's family and friends:

I like so many others first read about Jill in the Sports Illustrated article published last November. That article was deeply moving - but reading all of Jill's brave posts in her journal here today I was once again deeply impressed by her story, her courage and her confidence in her ability to defeat this cruel, inexorable killer, cancer... which she fought like a lioness but could not conquer.

The tribute by her Aunt was beautiful - her mom and cousin's words are also inspiring. I am amazed by the strength of Jill's family and your determination to continue to bring the life of this courageous young woman to the attention of the world even a year after her death. Her story (and yours) is a wonderful story that deserves to be told and to be heard. No author of fiction, no matter how inspired, could weave a tale as beautiful as the story of Jill Costello.

I have become more and more aware of the irrational way that we in the US approach the scientific battle against cancer: instead of the US government generously supporting research into cures for the most lethal types of cancer, we lavish spending on the more "popular" forms of this awful disease. Breast and prostate cancer researchers are given more money than they can spend while the big killer, lung cancer, gets very little funding. It is irrational and Jill brought this irrationality of ours to worldwide attention. Thank you all for continuing to raise awareness of this gross disparity of research funding into a cure for the most lethal cancer of all - lung cancer. And thank you for keeping this page as a living tribute to Jill. May her story continue to inspire people around the world.

Fr. Mike Quinn

6/25/2011

Dr. Jim and Mary and Family and Friends,

We remembered Jill at Mass this morning at Creighton University in Omaha, ironically where I was when Jill joined the angels. Jill and your family have been such a powerful witness of persevering faith in the midst of devastating news, it cannot be recounted in words. Your presence at the 6:30 am Masses @ St. Brendan's with aunt Kathy and your closest friends was inspirational as you endured her prognosis and witness. Jill accomplished more in her 22 years on earth than many others accomplish in longer lifetimes by touching so many hearts.

Jill's smiling face on billboards asking people to support research to help find a cure for cancer, her visits to Genetech and even my visits where she inspired me more than I her as I came to know her and her amazing humility as she won graduation awards testifying to her inspiration and leadership qualities from U.C. Berkeley all speak of a truly special angel. Mary, your words of gratitude and acknowledgment of the angel in your life truly continue this legacy of powerful witness of love!

Niki Bates

6/25/2011

Mary & Jim,That our daughters shared a bit of this long strange ride together has been a great gift. I am continually awed at what the human spirit can abide and still 'find the joy' in everyday moments. We all know that Jill accomplished more in one year that some will in a lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that she's still at it, big time, getting the work done, with a few more 'resources' to help her. Whether we see it in our lifetimes or not, lung cancer will fall, and it will be Jill's doing. Love, Niki Bates (aka Kelsey's mom)

Jodell Scott

6/25/2011

Dear Mary

Jill's Caringbridge journal is a lasting gift to all of us. Her precious words, written after a daunting diagnosis right up to her last days, light up the world with hope, determination, optimism and most of all..courage. Jill was and remains a teacher whose influence on so many will live on forever.

The part you played in Jill's life is so clear to me now--you recognized her strong spirit (even when she was a little girl), and you didn't get in the way of Jill. You didn't let your Motherly protectiveness be larger than the adventurous, ambitious, courageous spirit that she was. She led the way in her life, even when stricken and weakened, and you stood with her always supporting her unique strength and strong will.

The generous and beautiful words you have written on this anniversary are a gift to Jill and a gift to all. The grace by which you have traversed this past year of grief is a testament of your pure Motherly love for Jill and your family. Jill is proud of you, we all are.

Janis Buckles

6/25/2011

Mary, I was thinking about you and your family all day today. What a beautiful letter you have written. And thank you for giving the world the gift of such an extraordinary young woman. Jill touched so many lives in her short life. You must be very proud of her. My love to all of you, Janis

Jean Strauss

6/25/2011

Dear Mary,
I am both crying and smiling reading your message here. I only know your daughter because she was a Golden Bear. I never met her, but "Jill's Word to Live By" are on the wall of my office. I read them often.
If I could have met Jill, and if I ever have the privilege of meeting you, I would say thank you - thank you for giving us a glimpse of a life well lived, of the courage and the laughter and the joy. Thank you for letting us witness the journey, and for sharing not only the thoughts and gestures of Jill, but the insights of your large family and friends. I will look at the moon differently now - and I will think of you and your daughter and all the lives you both touch...

Jeff Becker

12/24/2012

Dear Friends and Family of Jill,I live in NJ and came across Jill's story in SI two years ago. It impacted me greatly and I remember making sure that my wife and two daughters (age 12 and 14) read it. And then I saved it. I realize now what a gift that issue was because just a few weeks later our younger daughter, Sydney, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She was somewhat of an athlete herself (travel softball was her game) and I made sure that I referenced Jill's story to her (and myself) several times in the first few months of what turned out to be an incredibly difficult year of chemo and surgeries. In some way, I think Jill's story helped Sydney and the rest of the family emulate some of her bravery and incredible outlook on life and her situation. Sydney too became known around here for her strength and her sense of humor as she "kicked cancer's butt'. (she kept her own caringbridge site at caringbridge.org/visit/sydneybecker) . Sydney has recently passed her one year remission point and is back playing softball (albeit on a leg with a titanium tibia and knee). Just yesterday I was cleaning out my home office and all the hospital related paperwork from last year when I came across the SI article I had saved. I just reread it again, and after wiping the tears I just wanted to let you know during what I'm sure is a difficult holiday season that our family here in New Jersey are still in awe of your Jill. And we thank her for helping show us the way to fight and live with Sydney. I'm still keeping the article. Best to you all.

Nancy McCarthy

5/30/2012

Mary,

I have been thinking of Jill all day today and decided to go back and read her inspirational words to all of us. It still amazes me that someone so sick can try to find words to comfort us. I also have kept a file in my emails of all athe pics you have sent to me of Jill and the boys and of course the pines...What wonderful memories. Thanks for keeping this online because I really needed it today. Love you Jill and The Costello Clan.....

Jen Cole

5/7/2012

I came across this blog over a year ago.... I lost my sister to lung cancer when she was only 42 - never smoked - and left behind a husband and 3 young children. When I came across this it touched me SO much..Sometimes there is a loss so devastating as to seem unimaginable and unbearable.Sometimes there is no reason; there is no explanation; there can be no understanding.
There is only acceptance and acceptance in the absence of understanding is the true miracle of faith.
I just had to tell you that it has touched many lives since then as I have shared it with others and it has helped them with their losses... and it still reminds me of my faith on a regular basis. thank you! Hugs to you and your family!

Kimberly Graime

1/9/2012

I've been glued to a friend's caringbridge page these past few days reading updates on her husband's battle with CNS lymphoma. For some reason I decided to take a look at Jill's page to help "prepare" for the news that he lost his battle with cancer here in the next few days. I am reminded of the strength and courage that Jill and her family had while she fought for her life.

Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to grieve and celebrate at the same time. Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to be upset with God for taking Phil's (and Jill's) life too early and praise him for bringing more value to my life at the same time.

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Costello family even now as we prepare for the loss of another life in the very near future.

Sandee Young

7/8/2011

Dear Mary,

I've been thinking so much of Jill lately. Her picture greets me every morning in my little office cubicle at the Health Department where I work, and she is a constant reminder to look at each day as a chance to make someone else's life a little better and to celebrate the day.

I was so touched to still receive a text from "Jill" first thing on my birthday, even though it was you who sent the text. Since I met her at Cal, she always made my birthday such a special day, and I'm pretty sure she was always one of the first, if not the first, to wish me a happy birthday (I can thank her early 5:30am practices for that.) I remember the first birthday I had with her when K.C. and Jill drove down to Pebble Beach to help me celebrate our "Yellow Party" where everyone had to wear yellow dresses and we demolished a five layer chocolate cake. And then of course, the next morning K.C. and Jill left before the crack of dawn to get Jill back to practice the next day. That birthday was so so special, and it was the first time I felt like I had made true friends at Cal that would last a lifetime.

In fact, Jill made everyone's birthday and EVERY holiday so special. It's no wonder her own birthday became like a National Holiday at Kappa, because it was a reminder to all of us how our lives should be celebrated..not just every year, but every day.

I am sending my love and thoughts your way, every morning when I see Jill's smiling face!

Julie Holian

6/27/2011

Love and miss you, Jill. I thought of you so many times over the weekend and I often think of you when I'm feeling overwhelmed or frustrated and you give me strength to keep moving forward. You've given so much to so many people and I'm so proud to have been one of the lucky ones to have actually known you. God bless.

Niki Bates

6/25/2011

Mary & Jim,That our daughters shared a bit of this long strange ride together has been a great gift. I am continually awed at what the human spirit can abide and still 'find the joy' in everyday moments. We all know that Jill accomplished more in one year that some will in a lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that she's still at it, big time, getting the work done, with a few more 'resources' to help her. Whether we see it in our lifetimes or not, lung cancer will fall, and it will be Jill's doing. Love, Niki Bates (aka Kelsey's mom)

Janis Buckles

6/25/2011

Mary, I was thinking about you and your family all day today. What a beautiful letter you have written. And thank you for giving the world the gift of such an extraordinary young woman. Jill touched so many lives in her short life. You must be very proud of her. My love to all of you, Janis

Lynette Ley

12/3/2012

Dear Jill,I was thinking about you last night on your 25th birthday, and remember with many chuckles your 21st birthday at Kappa. Parents Club was at Kappa decorating for Christmas, and your mom arrived with a bouquet of flowers all excited about taking you out to lunch for your special day. That day was all about your 21st! There were gifts and cards for you all over Kappa, cocktails and dinners and after dinner plans made. You friends and family made it memorable and exciting; they all loved you....
You have given back your many gifts of love, determination, laughter, believing, and love of life to hundreds of thousands. Your gifts to us continue to grow each year and your legacy and love carries on BIG TIME....
Love,Lynette

mary fairchok

5/30/2012

Dear family and friends of Jill,

This morning I was not in the the best of moods. While waiting for a prescription, I chanced upon an old issue of SI and read the profile about Jill. Tears were streaming down my face as I read about her incredible spirit, courage, strength and love as well as the love and support of her family and friends. Suddenly my day did not seem so bad after all. Reading this story reminded me to live each day to the fullest and to find the joy in every day. Jill's life on earth was sadly too short, but her spirit continues to inspire. As you face the difficult upcoming anniversary of her death, know that the legacy of the way she lived her life lives on and continues to create small everyday miracles.

Lynette Ley

2/16/2012

Hi Mary,I just learned that Kappa has created the Jill Costello Recruitment Award to honor the Kappa sister who goes above and beyond during recruitment each year! The only girls currently at Kappa that even knew Jill personally are all seniors; yet she known and honored by all...
Darby was there leaving Jog for Jill flyers and bracelets; the girls were all excited about the 5K and really looking forward to it....So am I! See you March 11th!Love,Lynette

Lynette Ley

10/3/2011

HI Mary and Jim,Tom and I received an email from a Cal Fiji friend, Chris Jones. Chris is a fraternity brother of Toms from way back in our college days. His daughter is the coxswain at Univ of Penn and heading up a Jog for Jill at Penn! Chris sent an email out to hundreds of his contacts urging them to support Jill's legacy and Jog for Jill....... amazing. Jill is so in everyone's hearts.....I know she's smiling up there!Miss you,Love, Lynette

shay seager

6/27/2011

Hi Mary,Jill was my coxswain at Cal - I was in the V8. I just wanted to thank you and extend my gratitude to you for the recent post. I carry Jill with me in my heart every day and I am so grateful for the lessons I learned while I knew Jill and your family, and the lessons I continue to learn from these experiences. I send you and your family love.- Shay

Mark Donaghey

6/26/2011

To all of Jill's family and friends:

I like so many others first read about Jill in the Sports Illustrated article published last November. That article was deeply moving - but reading all of Jill's brave posts in her journal here today I was once again deeply impressed by her story, her courage and her confidence in her ability to defeat this cruel, inexorable killer, cancer... which she fought like a lioness but could not conquer.

The tribute by her Aunt was beautiful - her mom and cousin's words are also inspiring. I am amazed by the strength of Jill's family and your determination to continue to bring the life of this courageous young woman to the attention of the world even a year after her death. Her story (and yours) is a wonderful story that deserves to be told and to be heard. No author of fiction, no matter how inspired, could weave a tale as beautiful as the story of Jill Costello.

I have become more and more aware of the irrational way that we in the US approach the scientific battle against cancer: instead of the US government generously supporting research into cures for the most lethal types of cancer, we lavish spending on the more "popular" forms of this awful disease. Breast and prostate cancer researchers are given more money than they can spend while the big killer, lung cancer, gets very little funding. It is irrational and Jill brought this irrationality of ours to worldwide attention. Thank you all for continuing to raise awareness of this gross disparity of research funding into a cure for the most lethal cancer of all - lung cancer. And thank you for keeping this page as a living tribute to Jill. May her story continue to inspire people around the world.

Fr. Mike Quinn

6/25/2011

Dr. Jim and Mary and Family and Friends,

We remembered Jill at Mass this morning at Creighton University in Omaha, ironically where I was when Jill joined the angels. Jill and your family have been such a powerful witness of persevering faith in the midst of devastating news, it cannot be recounted in words. Your presence at the 6:30 am Masses @ St. Brendan's with aunt Kathy and your closest friends was inspirational as you endured her prognosis and witness. Jill accomplished more in her 22 years on earth than many others accomplish in longer lifetimes by touching so many hearts.

Jill's smiling face on billboards asking people to support research to help find a cure for cancer, her visits to Genetech and even my visits where she inspired me more than I her as I came to know her and her amazing humility as she won graduation awards testifying to her inspiration and leadership qualities from U.C. Berkeley all speak of a truly special angel. Mary, your words of gratitude and acknowledgment of the angel in your life truly continue this legacy of powerful witness of love!

Jodell Scott

6/25/2011

Dear Mary

Jill's Caringbridge journal is a lasting gift to all of us. Her precious words, written after a daunting diagnosis right up to her last days, light up the world with hope, determination, optimism and most of all..courage. Jill was and remains a teacher whose influence on so many will live on forever.

The part you played in Jill's life is so clear to me now--you recognized her strong spirit (even when she was a little girl), and you didn't get in the way of Jill. You didn't let your Motherly protectiveness be larger than the adventurous, ambitious, courageous spirit that she was. She led the way in her life, even when stricken and weakened, and you stood with her always supporting her unique strength and strong will.

The generous and beautiful words you have written on this anniversary are a gift to Jill and a gift to all. The grace by which you have traversed this past year of grief is a testament of your pure Motherly love for Jill and your family. Jill is proud of you, we all are.

Jean Strauss

6/25/2011

Dear Mary,
I am both crying and smiling reading your message here. I only know your daughter because she was a Golden Bear. I never met her, but "Jill's Word to Live By" are on the wall of my office. I read them often.
If I could have met Jill, and if I ever have the privilege of meeting you, I would say thank you - thank you for giving us a glimpse of a life well lived, of the courage and the laughter and the joy. Thank you for letting us witness the journey, and for sharing not only the thoughts and gestures of Jill, but the insights of your large family and friends. I will look at the moon differently now - and I will think of you and your daughter and all the lives you both touch...

Jeff Becker

12/24/2012

Dear Friends and Family of Jill,I live in NJ and came across Jill's story in SI two years ago. It impacted me greatly and I remember making sure that my wife and two daughters (age 12 and 14) read it. And then I saved it. I realize now what a gift that issue was because just a few weeks later our younger daughter, Sydney, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She was somewhat of an athlete herself (travel softball was her game) and I made sure that I referenced Jill's story to her (and myself) several times in the first few months of what turned out to be an incredibly difficult year of chemo and surgeries. In some way, I think Jill's story helped Sydney and the rest of the family emulate some of her bravery and incredible outlook on life and her situation. Sydney too became known around here for her strength and her sense of humor as she "kicked cancer's butt'. (she kept her own caringbridge site at caringbridge.org/visit/sydneybecker) . Sydney has recently passed her one year remission point and is back playing softball (albeit on a leg with a titanium tibia and knee). Just yesterday I was cleaning out my home office and all the hospital related paperwork from last year when I came across the SI article I had saved. I just reread it again, and after wiping the tears I just wanted to let you know during what I'm sure is a difficult holiday season that our family here in New Jersey are still in awe of your Jill. And we thank her for helping show us the way to fight and live with Sydney. I'm still keeping the article. Best to you all.

mary fairchok

5/30/2012

Dear family and friends of Jill,

This morning I was not in the the best of moods. While waiting for a prescription, I chanced upon an old issue of SI and read the profile about Jill. Tears were streaming down my face as I read about her incredible spirit, courage, strength and love as well as the love and support of her family and friends. Suddenly my day did not seem so bad after all. Reading this story reminded me to live each day to the fullest and to find the joy in every day. Jill's life on earth was sadly too short, but her spirit continues to inspire. As you face the difficult upcoming anniversary of her death, know that the legacy of the way she lived her life lives on and continues to create small everyday miracles.

Kimberly Graime

1/9/2012

I've been glued to a friend's caringbridge page these past few days reading updates on her husband's battle with CNS lymphoma. For some reason I decided to take a look at Jill's page to help "prepare" for the news that he lost his battle with cancer here in the next few days. I am reminded of the strength and courage that Jill and her family had while she fought for her life.

Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to grieve and celebrate at the same time. Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to be upset with God for taking Phil's (and Jill's) life too early and praise him for bringing more value to my life at the same time.

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Costello family even now as we prepare for the loss of another life in the very near future.

shay seager

6/27/2011

Hi Mary,Jill was my coxswain at Cal - I was in the V8. I just wanted to thank you and extend my gratitude to you for the recent post. I carry Jill with me in my heart every day and I am so grateful for the lessons I learned while I knew Jill and your family, and the lessons I continue to learn from these experiences. I send you and your family love.- Shay

Jodell Scott

6/25/2011

Dear Mary

Jill's Caringbridge journal is a lasting gift to all of us. Her precious words, written after a daunting diagnosis right up to her last days, light up the world with hope, determination, optimism and most of all..courage. Jill was and remains a teacher whose influence on so many will live on forever.

The part you played in Jill's life is so clear to me now--you recognized her strong spirit (even when she was a little girl), and you didn't get in the way of Jill. You didn't let your Motherly protectiveness be larger than the adventurous, ambitious, courageous spirit that she was. She led the way in her life, even when stricken and weakened, and you stood with her always supporting her unique strength and strong will.

The generous and beautiful words you have written on this anniversary are a gift to Jill and a gift to all. The grace by which you have traversed this past year of grief is a testament of your pure Motherly love for Jill and your family. Jill is proud of you, we all are.

Lynette Ley

12/3/2012

Dear Jill,I was thinking about you last night on your 25th birthday, and remember with many chuckles your 21st birthday at Kappa. Parents Club was at Kappa decorating for Christmas, and your mom arrived with a bouquet of flowers all excited about taking you out to lunch for your special day. That day was all about your 21st! There were gifts and cards for you all over Kappa, cocktails and dinners and after dinner plans made. You friends and family made it memorable and exciting; they all loved you....
You have given back your many gifts of love, determination, laughter, believing, and love of life to hundreds of thousands. Your gifts to us continue to grow each year and your legacy and love carries on BIG TIME....
Love,Lynette

Jen Cole

5/7/2012

I came across this blog over a year ago.... I lost my sister to lung cancer when she was only 42 - never smoked - and left behind a husband and 3 young children. When I came across this it touched me SO much..Sometimes there is a loss so devastating as to seem unimaginable and unbearable.Sometimes there is no reason; there is no explanation; there can be no understanding.
There is only acceptance and acceptance in the absence of understanding is the true miracle of faith.
I just had to tell you that it has touched many lives since then as I have shared it with others and it has helped them with their losses... and it still reminds me of my faith on a regular basis. thank you! Hugs to you and your family!

Lynette Ley

10/3/2011

HI Mary and Jim,Tom and I received an email from a Cal Fiji friend, Chris Jones. Chris is a fraternity brother of Toms from way back in our college days. His daughter is the coxswain at Univ of Penn and heading up a Jog for Jill at Penn! Chris sent an email out to hundreds of his contacts urging them to support Jill's legacy and Jog for Jill....... amazing. Jill is so in everyone's hearts.....I know she's smiling up there!Miss you,Love, Lynette

Julie Holian

6/27/2011

Love and miss you, Jill. I thought of you so many times over the weekend and I often think of you when I'm feeling overwhelmed or frustrated and you give me strength to keep moving forward. You've given so much to so many people and I'm so proud to have been one of the lucky ones to have actually known you. God bless.

Fr. Mike Quinn

6/25/2011

Dr. Jim and Mary and Family and Friends,

We remembered Jill at Mass this morning at Creighton University in Omaha, ironically where I was when Jill joined the angels. Jill and your family have been such a powerful witness of persevering faith in the midst of devastating news, it cannot be recounted in words. Your presence at the 6:30 am Masses @ St. Brendan's with aunt Kathy and your closest friends was inspirational as you endured her prognosis and witness. Jill accomplished more in her 22 years on earth than many others accomplish in longer lifetimes by touching so many hearts.

Jill's smiling face on billboards asking people to support research to help find a cure for cancer, her visits to Genetech and even my visits where she inspired me more than I her as I came to know her and her amazing humility as she won graduation awards testifying to her inspiration and leadership qualities from U.C. Berkeley all speak of a truly special angel. Mary, your words of gratitude and acknowledgment of the angel in your life truly continue this legacy of powerful witness of love!

Janis Buckles

6/25/2011

Mary, I was thinking about you and your family all day today. What a beautiful letter you have written. And thank you for giving the world the gift of such an extraordinary young woman. Jill touched so many lives in her short life. You must be very proud of her. My love to all of you, Janis

Nancy McCarthy

5/30/2012

Mary,

I have been thinking of Jill all day today and decided to go back and read her inspirational words to all of us. It still amazes me that someone so sick can try to find words to comfort us. I also have kept a file in my emails of all athe pics you have sent to me of Jill and the boys and of course the pines...What wonderful memories. Thanks for keeping this online because I really needed it today. Love you Jill and The Costello Clan.....

Lynette Ley

2/16/2012

Hi Mary,I just learned that Kappa has created the Jill Costello Recruitment Award to honor the Kappa sister who goes above and beyond during recruitment each year! The only girls currently at Kappa that even knew Jill personally are all seniors; yet she known and honored by all...
Darby was there leaving Jog for Jill flyers and bracelets; the girls were all excited about the 5K and really looking forward to it....So am I! See you March 11th!Love,Lynette

Sandee Young

7/8/2011

Dear Mary,

I've been thinking so much of Jill lately. Her picture greets me every morning in my little office cubicle at the Health Department where I work, and she is a constant reminder to look at each day as a chance to make someone else's life a little better and to celebrate the day.

I was so touched to still receive a text from "Jill" first thing on my birthday, even though it was you who sent the text. Since I met her at Cal, she always made my birthday such a special day, and I'm pretty sure she was always one of the first, if not the first, to wish me a happy birthday (I can thank her early 5:30am practices for that.) I remember the first birthday I had with her when K.C. and Jill drove down to Pebble Beach to help me celebrate our "Yellow Party" where everyone had to wear yellow dresses and we demolished a five layer chocolate cake. And then of course, the next morning K.C. and Jill left before the crack of dawn to get Jill back to practice the next day. That birthday was so so special, and it was the first time I felt like I had made true friends at Cal that would last a lifetime.

In fact, Jill made everyone's birthday and EVERY holiday so special. It's no wonder her own birthday became like a National Holiday at Kappa, because it was a reminder to all of us how our lives should be celebrated..not just every year, but every day.

I am sending my love and thoughts your way, every morning when I see Jill's smiling face!

Mark Donaghey

6/26/2011

To all of Jill's family and friends:

I like so many others first read about Jill in the Sports Illustrated article published last November. That article was deeply moving - but reading all of Jill's brave posts in her journal here today I was once again deeply impressed by her story, her courage and her confidence in her ability to defeat this cruel, inexorable killer, cancer... which she fought like a lioness but could not conquer.

The tribute by her Aunt was beautiful - her mom and cousin's words are also inspiring. I am amazed by the strength of Jill's family and your determination to continue to bring the life of this courageous young woman to the attention of the world even a year after her death. Her story (and yours) is a wonderful story that deserves to be told and to be heard. No author of fiction, no matter how inspired, could weave a tale as beautiful as the story of Jill Costello.

I have become more and more aware of the irrational way that we in the US approach the scientific battle against cancer: instead of the US government generously supporting research into cures for the most lethal types of cancer, we lavish spending on the more "popular" forms of this awful disease. Breast and prostate cancer researchers are given more money than they can spend while the big killer, lung cancer, gets very little funding. It is irrational and Jill brought this irrationality of ours to worldwide attention. Thank you all for continuing to raise awareness of this gross disparity of research funding into a cure for the most lethal cancer of all - lung cancer. And thank you for keeping this page as a living tribute to Jill. May her story continue to inspire people around the world.

Niki Bates

6/25/2011

Mary & Jim,That our daughters shared a bit of this long strange ride together has been a great gift. I am continually awed at what the human spirit can abide and still 'find the joy' in everyday moments. We all know that Jill accomplished more in one year that some will in a lifetime. There is no doubt in my mind that she's still at it, big time, getting the work done, with a few more 'resources' to help her. Whether we see it in our lifetimes or not, lung cancer will fall, and it will be Jill's doing. Love, Niki Bates (aka Kelsey's mom)

Jean Strauss

6/25/2011

Dear Mary,
I am both crying and smiling reading your message here. I only know your daughter because she was a Golden Bear. I never met her, but "Jill's Word to Live By" are on the wall of my office. I read them often.
If I could have met Jill, and if I ever have the privilege of meeting you, I would say thank you - thank you for giving us a glimpse of a life well lived, of the courage and the laughter and the joy. Thank you for letting us witness the journey, and for sharing not only the thoughts and gestures of Jill, but the insights of your large family and friends. I will look at the moon differently now - and I will think of you and your daughter and all the lives you both touch...